@KourtDo they lubricate the gloves? I’m extra dry and tender down there at the moment and like @Yanian I’m dreading any of these interventions 😫😫😫
Yes! Lots of lube! I was offered and accepted because I wanted to know where my body was at. Turns out I was 3cm
For me it hurts A LOT (and that was with the DR. using gel/lube). It was my 2nd time getting it done and I broke down sobbing afterwards bc of the pain and how violated I felt. I would avoid it unless I felt it was ABSOLUTELY necessary. Supposedly tho it hurts less the more dilated you are
@Dee yes they do !
@KourtThanks 🙈
It's not comfortable, but nothing about labour is comfortable.
There's no reason for them to to a VE at this point except to satisfy their own curiosity. It's literally of no benefit to you and risks infection.
@Jo the midwife’s at antenatal said similar and empowered us to decline at any point
Thank you all. I ended up having it done today at my appointment because yesterday it felt like baby girl was going to fall out of my body, but my nurse practitioner reassured me the whole time that it was my decision, that I could refuse at any time. She was as gentle as she could, but it did hurt me significantly. No dilation so far (36+6 days today) While it did hurt, it was also quick, probably less than 30 seconds. Just my experience with my provider 🤍
Hey , I understand how you feel , I recently just had one and was scared too . It’s different from a Pap smear there are no tools involved and they are not scraping against anything that would cause bleeding . Just two fingers that the insert to touch your cervix to check if it’s open or not . It is slightly uncomfortable yes as it is happening but afterwards there is no lingering feeling or pain . You absolutely can deny it if you want , I don’t think it’s something that is forced . It’s just to help you understand where your body is in preparation for labor . Hope this helps 💕